CONTROL OF DARDANELLES

Evening Star, Issue 25927, 19 October 1946, Page 7

CONTROL OF DARDANELLES

TURKEY NOT GAMBLING ON SUPPORT RUSSIAN ALLEGATIONS REJECTED (Rec. 1.10 p.m.) LONDON, Oct. 18. “ The very definite ” attitude Turkey was taking uff on the Dardanelles did not mean that Turkey was gambling on any hypothetical foreign support, said the Turkish Minister in London, Cevatl Acikalin. He added: “ Turkey feels herself strong and united, and could not compromise on this • issue. The defence of the straits, which are exclusively within Turkish territory, must remain in Turkish hands.” M. Acikalin reaffirmed Turkey’s willingness to discuss the Dardanelles in the international conference of Montreux Convention signatories, plus the United States of,America, excluding Japan. Turkey agreed if necessary to . revise the Montreux Convention. The treaty contained outmoded definitions of naval vessels. As a result Turkey at present had no effective right of control over ships passing through the straits. Turkey strenuously denied Rusrian accusations that she had failed in her obligations as custodian of the straits by admitting _ foreign categories and Axis warships. He . said the failure of the Italian fleet to penetrate during the war was proof of Turkey’s vigilance. M. Acikalin referred to the Russian suggestion that the Russo-Turkish' frienship pact of 1921 committed the signatories to the principle management of the straits by the Black Sea Powers. He argued that the pact was signed at a time when Russia and Turkey were both struggling for independence, having no relations with a European Power, but later when normal relations were resumed at Lausanne in 1922 the Montreux Convention in 1936 established the international aspect of the straits. Russia now suggested it was necessary to prevent the use of the. straits to other Powers for purposes hostile to the Black Sea Powprs. “ Against whom is defence to be undertaken ? The prospect of a threat from Germany or Italy can be ruled out for a number of years'. It can hardly be supposed that (Britain or America would attempt to use the straits against the Black Sea Powers. In any case, the straits are now strategically out-dated. No fleet could now risk being bombed in a confined channel.” M. Acikalin categorically denied Russian charges that Britain had 'air or any other bases in Turkey, and concluded that Moscow must know the importance Turkey attached to friendly relations with Russia. Turkey .had always been faithful custodian of the straits.